How a copy of any relevant reports can be obtained:

Level of review of results:

Results:

Variation in soil C with time and management influence:

There was a general decrease of oxidisable organic carbon levels with depth in the soils measured. Pasture soils had a higher organic carbon level than cropping soils.

Site

Trend over time (from July 97-Nov 98)

0-2.5cm

2.5-5cm

5-10cm

10-20cm

Ellinbank

–

+

–

None

Ellinbank

+

None

–

–

Ellinbank

None

+

+

None

Ellinbank

–

–

–

–

Strzelecki

–

None

None

None

Loch

None

+

None

None

Nyora

–

+

None

None

Mardan

–

–

–

–

Koonwarra

None

–

+

–

Tarwin Lower

–

–

+

+

Further detail provided in the report

Variation in soil pH with time and management influence:

In general, the soil pH decreased with depth. Soil pH responds to farm management and should be monitored on a regular basis to understand the influence of management practice.

Sampling detected a marked decline in pH with depth in ferrosols, whereas pH was more uniform in dermosols.

Site

Trend over time (from July 97-Nov 98)

0-2.5cm

2.5-5cm

5-10cm

10-20cm

Ellinbank

–

+

+

None

Ellinbank

–

+

+

+

Ellinbank

None

+

+

+

Ellinbank

–

–

–

+

Strzelecki

+

–

+

+

Loch

+

None

None

None

Nyora

None

+

–

–

Mardan

–

–

+

–

Koonwarra

+

+

+

–

Tarwin Lower

+

+

+

+

Further detail provided in the report

Next steps

Soil indicators are a useful tool for land managers to monitor soil fertility over time. It is important that the indicators chosen are “fit for use” to be able to interpret according to the land use of the property.

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Our organisation was established by the state government in 1997 to manage land and water resources in the West Gippsland region. We take this role seriously and our aim as a leader in natural resource management is to inspire partnerships and action to achieve improved catchment health.